Auto Enrolment - Q & A

A brief answer to 5 of the most commonly asked questions, in relation to Auto Enrolment, and what it means for employers & employees. If your question isn't listed below, please contact us, and we will respond within 24 hours.

1. Where can I find my staging date?

Your staging date can be found by following the link to The Pension Regulator's website, and following the instructions. You will need your PAYE reference number. You can find this on a P6 /P9 coding notice.

2. What pension provider will we use?

NEST is a simple, great value pension scheme that employers can use to meet their new automatic enrolment duties. The People’s Pension is a flexible and portable workplace pension, designed for people, not profit.

3. Can I opt out of the pension scheme?

If you are automatically enrolled into a pension scheme you have the right to opt out of it. You can opt out within one month of your enrolment date or one month from receiving your enrolment notification. If you opt out within this time, any contributions you have made will be returned to you. How do I opt out? Contact your pension provider who will advise you.

4. What information must employers provide employees about automatic enrolment?

All employers will have an obligation to provide specified information to their workers within prescribed time limits. Employers must give information to eligible jobholders who are being automatically enrolled. This information must include details of what automatic enrolment means for them, their right to opt out and opt back in and where they can find further information about pensions and savings for retirement. Employers must provide this information by no later than one month after the eligible jobholder's automatic enrolment date.

5. Who is an eligible employee & who is not?

Who is an eligible employee & who is not? For automatic enrolment, employees fall into three categories depending on age and salary. Employees who already belong to a qualifying company pension scheme are not eligible for auto enrolment.

Job Holder Status

Eligible jobholder

Eligible jobholders will be automatically enrolled into their employer’s pension scheme. If you choose to remain in the scheme, you will benefit from contributions from your employer. You will both need to meet the minimum contribution levels.

Non-eligible jobholder

Non-eligible jobholders will not be automatically enrolled into their employer’s pension scheme but can ask to join. If you opt to join the scheme, you will benefit from contributions to your pension from your employer. You will both need to make minimum contributions.

Entitled workers

Entitled workers will not be automatically enrolled into their employer’s pension scheme but can apply to join a company pension scheme. Your employer will contact you to give you the opportunity to join a pension scheme but is not obliged to contribute on your behalf.

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